MLA Response to Leadership Development

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MLA Response to Leadership Development

• Linda Watson, MLA President 2002-2003

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MLA Leadership Development

• To be successful, we must show leadership as
  individuals and as an association
• Critical aspects of this leadership are having a
  sense of purpose that is in tune with our
  changing environment, knowing how best to achieve
  it, and inspiring others to support it
• Leadership arises from different quarters at
  different times everyone needs to be prepared
  for the call

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MLA Leadership Development

• Prepare members for leadership rolls
• At their Institutions
• Within the Association
• Within the Profession
• Leadership begins with individual knowledge,
  skills and abilities
• MLA has a long legacy of valuing and supporting
  professional development of its members (see
  Platform for Change)

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MLA Leadership Development

• Educational Program clearinghouse, courses,
  satellite teleconferences, annual meeting
  speakers, symposia, independent learning
• Mentoring
• Leadership Opportunities board, sections,
  committees, task forces, chapters, liaisons
• Recognition awards, AHIP
• Promotion promoting the value of librarians to
  decision-makers and the public

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The Future

• Vision and value of interdisciplinary leadership
• Our institutions need the leadership of our
  members as they face the complex issues of the
  21st century
• Areas of expertise and involvement in which to
  demonstrate leadership go far beyond traditional
  library skills and expectations
• MLA will support its members in identifying and
  assuming those leadership roles